Pregnant women across Morecambe Bay are taking up a new vaccine to protect their unborn babies from the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) began its RSV vaccination programme on Tuesday, September 3.

Many women have since signed up to be vaccinated against the potentially life-threatening virus.

Since Monday, August 19, UHMBT has received 188 referrals to the vaccination service for RSV, flu, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Michelle LittleJohn, health and wellbeing midwife for UHMBT, said: "We are seeing a massive take-up of the RSV vaccine at our trust, which is fantastic.

"Women inform us they are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to access RSV vaccination via maternity services, and we are happy to be able to support them with this.

"One of the reasons for the good take-up at our trust is that our community midwives and maternity staff do a brilliant job informing women about the vaccines offered through the health and wellbeing team.

"It is so important to have these conversations so that women are able to make an informed choice.

"It’s a great team effort."

Michelle Littlejohn and Nicola Bickerdike in the vaccination area at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (Image: University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust) Women are receiving the RSV vaccinations at all three of UHMBT's main hospital sites: Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal, and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

Nicola Bickerdike, public health nurse for UHMBT with a background in special care baby nursing, said: "RSV is one of the main causes of bronchiolitis and can cause babies to become seriously ill.

"In the winter months, we see an increase of babies with RSV and bronchiolitis.

"Pregnant women who are aware of how serious bronchiolitis can be have been especially keen to have the vaccination."

Research involving thousands of women worldwide who have been vaccinated against RSV shows that it reduces the risk of severe lung infection by approximately 70 per cent in the first six months of life.

Receiving the vaccine during pregnancy is the best way to protect a baby from getting seriously ill with RSV.

The vaccine boosts the mother's immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus, helping to protect the baby from the day they are born.

The RSV vaccine can be administered from 28 weeks, the whooping cough (pertussis) from 16 weeks, and the flu vaccine at any time.

At Morecambe Bay, women have various options for receiving their RSV vaccination, including through their midwife, GP, or by self-referral with a QR code.

Drop-in clinics will also be advertised in the coming weeks.

Pregnant women at UHMBT have access to their Electronic Patient Record (EPR) via an online system called ‘Badgernet’ and can receive notifications about when and where RSV vaccination clinics are open.

As part of winter preparations, the NHS is also vaccinating people who are 75 years old or older.

There will be a one-off ‘catch-up’ offer for everyone aged 75 to 79 years old to ensure the older age group are protected as the winter months approach.

Andrew Gwynne, minister for public health and prevention, said: "Sadly my grandson caught RSV just days after he was born.

"It led to weeks in intensive care and left him with long-lasting health issues.

"RSV is preventable, and it is crucial that we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

"I strongly urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and secure the future health of your children and loved ones."

Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: "Vaccination is a vital means of protecting babies, women, and families, as well as helping to manage increased pressures on NHS capacity during the winter period.

"I would like to thank all those who have been working to make this ground-breaking vaccine rollout a reality."